What Time Is It?

"I teach first grade in a Pre K-5 inner-city elementary school. My first graders come from a low income, high crime area. Our school provides much more than an education for our students, as many also come seeking safety, a meal, and positive attention. The majority of our children receive two free m..." more»

"I teach first grade in a Pre K-5 inner-city elementary school. My first graders come from a low income, high crime area. Our school provides much more than an education for our students, as many also come seeking safety, a meal, and positive attention. The majority of our children receive two free meals at school everyday and cannot afford school supplies. Our students face more than their fair share of obstacles.

Most of our students begin school lacking the necessary background and experiences to prepare them for a formal education. Even before the first day of kindergarten, a gap has formed between our students and their suburban counterparts. We work hard to fill in this gap by building self-confidence, creating healthy and safe environments, and providing lessons and experiences to ensure personal success. We also work to instill a lifetime commitment to literacy and learning.

Telling Time is one of the most challenging math skills first graders face. I am turning to Donors Choose to ask for a classroom set of Judy Clocks and a Time Activity Mat. Individual Judy Clocks will allow the children to have a hands-on experience with clocks. They will get to know the difference between the two hands of the clock, and have the ability to manipulate the hands to represent different times.

The Time Activity Mat is a creative and fun way for children to become familiar with clocks! This activity will allow them to use their bodies to represent the hands on a clock. They will be learning how to tell time... and having fun!

These hands-on experiences will provide for more stimulation and interest in a topic that is very difficult for children. Most math programs, including the program in our district, don't provide for different learning styles. Tactile/Kinesthetic children learn best through a hands-on approach, actively exploring the physical world around them. These children may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration. The activities I am asking for will reach these learners! And what first grader doesn't love a little giggle during a difficult lesson?

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